Congratulations to my seller client! and also congratulations to the buyer of this incredible property! Sophie Gardner Team did a great job at representing the buyer. 

1416 Manzanita Rd, Cortes Island is now under contract! 

The Wolf Bluff Castle on Cortes Island is selling for $440,000 and comes with a house and workshop

A five-storey castle on Cortes Island, complete with a dungeon, medieval-style dining hall and three turrets, is on the market and priced lower than a two-storey house in Campbell River.

Cortes Island resident Karl Triller began building the Wolf Bluff Castle on Cortes Bay in 1990. He wanted to create a place that evoked memories of his childhood, said realtor Roman Krzaczek, who is running the sale. Today, it still stands but needs a buyer who is looking for a fixer-upper.  

After Triller's recent passing, his son put the unfinished castle up for sale last year. Krzaczek said he was drawn to the listing because of the story and person behind it. 

"Karl grew up in Hungary in a poor family with seven siblings," said Krzaczek. He noted that Triller must have been an interesting person, as locals have told stories about him wearing a crown and calling himself king of the castle. He also welcomed the community over for celebrations over the decades. 

The castle needs work, which Krzaczek said is likely why it's not selling as quickly as one might expect. Despite this, the exterior walls and concrete are intact, revealing that it was solidly built. 

"It needs a builder to go in there and assess whether the interior can be salvaged or all the wood needs to be gutted," he said.  

The castle at 1416 Manzanita Rd. is priced at $440,000, but a B.C. assessment says the property is worth $758,000. Aside from the castle, the property comes with a one-storey house with an unfinished basement and workshop.

Krzaczek said he's hoping whoever buys the property will see it as a fixer-upper and keep it as part of the community. 

"It's beautiful," he said. "It's got character. I've met many people who live on Cortes and Quadra who, as teenagers, used to go there for birthday parties and stuff. It's part of the community."

https://www.campbellrivermirror.com/local-news/photos-castle-on-cortes-island-selling-for-less-than-a-campbell-river-house-8166017

August 11, 2025

Wolf Bluff Castle: A Rare Cortes Island Property Sold

The five-storey Wolf Bluff Castle on Cortes Island, British Columbia has officially sold! Initially listed at $440,000, this remarkable property attracted national attention, including CTV News and my Instagram post.

Wolf Bluff Castle represents the ultimate unique island property in B.C., combining history, charm, and the opportunity for buyers seeking a renovation project.

Features of Wolf Bluff Castle: A B.C. Island Castle Like No Other

• Five-storey medieval-style architecture: Includes eight bedrooms, a dining hall, three turrets, and a dungeon.

• Historic construction by Karl Triller: The late builder, affectionately known as the “King of Cortes,” lived in a modest home on the property while crafting his castle vision.

• Additional structures: The property included Triller’s house, a workshop, and 1.97 acres of land, offering multiple possibilities for development or restoration.

• Utilities & renovation potential: Water and power are available, but there is no septic system — ideal for buyers interested in transforming a project into a dream home.

• Prime island location: Approximately a 15-minute walk from the Cortes Bay boat launch, perfect for buyers embracing remote island living in British Columbia.

The castle’s construction is reinforced with concrete-filled cinder blocks, ensuring a solid, durable foundation despite its unfinished interior.

The Story Behind Wolf Bluff Castle

As the listing realtor, I was drawn to Wolf Bluff Castle because of its unique character, history, and potential for restoration.

Karl Triller was a legendary figure on Cortes Island. In the 1990s and 2000s, he would put on a crown and host celebrations, food, and music for locals — earning him the title “King of Cortes.” Though the castle was unfinished, it remains a historic landmark in the B.C. island real estate market.

After gaining wide interest, the castle finally found a buyer, preserving this extraordinary piece of Cortes Island history.

Why Wolf Bluff Castle Was a Rare Opportunity

Wolf Bluff Castle illustrates the appeal of unique island properties for sale in B.C.:

1. Undervalued historic structures: Properties with character, history, or unusual architecture often attract buyers seeking something truly different.

2. Renovation potential: The castle was perfect for those willing to invest in a project, with opportunities to create a dream estate.

3. Island lifestyle: Remote yet accessible, Cortes Island offers natural beauty, privacy, and a strong sense of community.

For other examples of rare B.C. island properties, see my Unique Coastal Properties page.

Cortes Island Real Estate: What Buyers Should Know

Cortes Island has a year-round population of roughly 1,000 residents and is a popular destination for vacationers in summer. Real estate here moves differently than in urban areas — character and location often outweigh size or finishing.

For more guidance, explore my Cortes Island Homes for Sale page or learn how to Sell Your Island Home effectively.